Strange looking keel cable bolt for my 1985 Mac 25

[MarkyMarc]

I just bought a 1985 Macgregor 25, which makes me a first time boatowner. I'll save my cheers until I get out onto the water for the first time.

Close examination of the keel cable (where it connects to the keel) shows alot of fraying. Even I can tell it's time to change out the cable.

Here's my question (and please remember - I'm a newbie)...

Is there some kind of "wrench" attached to the keel cable bolt (where it attaches to my keel)? Below are photos of both sides of my keel - one where the nut and cable are together, and the other side where this "bolt" is.

Please tell me if that "arm" or "wrench" is supposed to be part of the bolt.

Also, could anyone please tell me where can I purchase a replacement part?

Thank you very much for your help!

Marc / Phoenix, Arizona

[Pete]

Looks like someone jammed an open end wrench on there and could not get it off, so they left it.

[MarkyMarc]

Thanks for your reply.

It does look like a wrench! Unbelievable!

[goddardw]

The keel is cast iron and often the cable bolt is so rusted that it is better to leave it alone unless your up to drilling the bolt out. My M25 has a taped in bolt with not nut on the other side so it does not look like yours.

Best Regards, Wilson and Christine, "Chantel Marie" Mac 25

[johnnyonspot]

To me that does not look like a wrench but rather the end of an old cable that was cut off short and left there while a new one was installed on the other side. Perhaps they could not get the bolt out when replacing old cable so they just cut the old cable off and put a new one on the other side, using the same old bolt.

[pokerrick1]

What Johnny said

Rick

[MBertin]

Hi MarkyMarc,

Looking at the picture, I agree with you that you need to replaced the cable and the attachment at the keel. As mentioned by Johny, they previously cut the cable on one side and decide to make a temporarily installation on the other side. I would be afraid that cable could disconnect from the keel during sailing.
I suggest that you try to removed the bolt completely. If not possible to unscrew the nut, then cut it with high speed cutting disk (make sure to installed protection "Shield" to avoid the metal sparkling get into contact with the hull). Then punshing the bolt out.
For the replacement cable, may be somebody (in the forum) already have the drawing to share with us showing the cable size and length. Also a drawing would be good to show the attachment detail. The new cable, when installed on the keel, must have loose to get the pivoting action but most be secure to avoid disconnection from the Keel. There is some shop that can fit a good stainless steel terminal to Steel Cable by swaging. So a good installation hardware (all stainless stell) would be the bolt, washer going thru the keel then on the other side the washer, the cable terminal, a shoulder bushing and a self locking Nut. A shoulder bushing will allow to torque the bolt without squeezing the cable terminal end.

Keep us post if you find the drawing and instalation detail. It always good information.

Marc,

[JoeVacs]

That definately looks like a risk. I wouldn't put it in the water without replacing the cable. If your keel drops because of a broken cable, while in the water, you will at the very least have an impossible time getting it back on the trailor to fix it, and at worst, it could rip completelt out of the boat and sink you.
The hardware store should sell stainless cable. Mine ( not as heavy as yours ) is looped through an open hole in the keel and clamped with a cable clamp. There are lots of ways to make it work for you. Don't be afraid to cut things loose and make new things work. It's not like it's an airplane ( if you get it wrong..... )

[rusty6245]

Hi Marc, welcome to the wonderful world of MacGregor boats especially the Mac 25. I have an 1982 Mac 25 that needs the keel cable replaced due to a little fraying at the keel connection. I think I'm going to have to replace my winch soon also. I got my replacement keel cable from http://www.bwyachts.com. They have just about everything you might need for your boat. Good luck with your replacement. -- Rusty

[McTexan]

I have the same arrangement on an 83 Mac 22. If it's frayed, it's a good idea to replace it. Mine snagged a log and broke a while back. I used a couple of the u-bolt cable clamps instead of the swaged option when I replaced it. Probably not recommended, but it has worked fine. Watch those frayed wires. They will butcher the ends of your fingers. I had to lift the stern of the boat a bit while on the trailer to get enough clearance to be able to get at it to work on it. Make sure it's blocked up good. I used a double stack of concrete blocks on each side with a good plank straddled across under the boat. High lift jacks...what would we do without them? When the cable broke, I was concerned about being able to get the boat on the trailer without the keel cranked up, but it wasn't too big a deal. You may have to back the trailer in the water deeper than usual ..... then it's a matter of cranking it in with the winch. The keel will drag, but if you can get it in the groove in the trailer (hard part) she'll load right up. Another problem that can be encountered with the cable is it tends to collect vegetation if you're sailing in shallower water. I've had wads of it the size of a bushel basket on there. You'll notice a difference in speed and the way the boat handles. If that's a possibility where you sail, you'll want to check when you pull it out. It can be a big enough wad that the keel won't go in the trunk. Not much to do but go diving with a jacknkife and cut it all off before you can get the boat on the trailer. Not something you want to be doing in cold weather.